Memphis teens charged as adults in Craigslist slaying

Memphis teens charged as adults in Craigslist slaying

MEMPHIS - Two 17-year-old boys accused of murder in the fatal shooting of a Memphis man trying to sell his car on Craigslist will be tried as adults.

The Commercial Appeal reports Special Judge Dan Michael ruled on Wednesday to move Martiness Henderson and Walter Collins to adult court on a charge of murder in the perpetration of a robbery. Another man, 21-year-old Brandon Vance, also faces the same charge.

Police say they killed 37-year-old Larry Wilkins, who was trying to sell his 2006 Ford Mustang on Craigslist.

Memphis Police Sgt. Eric Kelly testified at a hearing that the three suspects went to look at the car.

"The asking price for the vehicle was more than they had so they decided to take it from him," Kelly testified.

Collins, who is accused of supplying the gun, told police he didn't know the robbery would turn fatal, Kelly testified. The judge said it didn't matter.

"If you put a gun in the hands of someone who takes a life, you're just as responsible as they are," Michael said.

Some who came for the hearing wiped away tears after the judge announced his decision, and he commented on the grief resulting from the slaying.